State Health officials confirm Rabid Animals in Multiple Counties, six people exposed
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Rabid animals have been confirmed in multiple counties, six people and one pet exposed, say South Carolina Health officials.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health says raccoons from Charleston County and Saluda County and a bat from York County have tested positive for rabies. According to DPH:
- In Charleston County, a raccoon was found near Erica Road and Quarter Hoss Lane in Hollywood, S.C. Two people were exposed and have been referred to their healthcare providers. No pets are known to have been exposed at this time.
- In Saluda County, a raccoon was found near Spring Street and Merritt Avenue in Ridge Spring, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined per the Rabies Control Act.
- In York County, a bat was found near Bailiwyck Green Boulevard and Cranborne Chase in Fort Mill, S.C. Four people were exposed and have been referred to their healthcare providers. No pets are known to have been exposed at this time.
Health officials say you should never handle a bat or any wild or stray animal, alive or dead, with your bare hands. Any bat that could have had potential contact with people, pets, or livestock should be safely trapped in a sealed container and not touched. Never release a bat that has potentially exposed a person or pet. Once a bat is released, it cannot be tested for rabies, say officials.
Contact information for local Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc
